Michael Johnson | Defensive Back

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Lions released S Michael Johnson.

Johnson was mulling retirement this offseason and now doesn't even last until final cuts with a team that needs secondary help. The ex-Giant is on his final straws in the league at age 27. Mon, Aug 29, 2011 11:28:00 AM

Lions signed S Michael Johnson, formerly of the Giants.

Johnson, 27, considered giving up the game last year, but he's giving it one final shot. A starter for the the Giants in 2008 and 2009, Johnson has experience at both strong and free safety, and at the very least should be able to contribute on special teams. He's worth a tire-kicking for the Lions. Wed, Aug 10, 2011 03:40:00 PM

Free agent S Michael Johnson reportedly decided at one point last year that he no longer wanted to play football.

Opined a source to ESPN 101 St. Louis, "I suspect that was due to the Giants bringing in (Antrel) Rolle and (GM Jerry) Reese specifically calling out Johnson last offseason." Johnson is another player who wasn't tendered, despite 35 starts in three seasons entering last year. The same source described Johnson as "not very bright," and said he "had some personal issues." Tue, Mar 8, 2011 11:13:00 AM

The Giants did not extend a tender to S Michael Johnson, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Johnson, 27, missed all but two games in 2010 due to a herniated disc in his back. It's unclear if he had surgery, but Johnson had already fallen well down the depth chart after starting 35 games in his first three years. If healthy, Johnson could get a look from old pal Steve Spagnuolo's safety-needy Rams. Thu, Mar 3, 2011 11:44:00 PM

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Johnson, 27, considered giving up the game last year, but he's giving it one final shot. A starter for the the Giants in 2008 and 2009, Johnson has experience at both strong and free safety, and at the very least should be able to contribute on special teams. He's worth a tire-kicking for the Lions.

Free agent S Michael Johnson reportedly decided at one point last year that he no longer wanted to play football.

Opined a source to ESPN 101 St. Louis, "I suspect that was due to the Giants bringing in (Antrel) Rolle and (GM Jerry) Reese specifically calling out Johnson last offseason." Johnson is another player who wasn't tendered, despite 35 starts in three seasons entering last year. The same source described Johnson as "not very bright," and said he "had some personal issues."

The Giants did not extend a tender to S Michael Johnson, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Johnson, 27, missed all but two games in 2010 due to a herniated disc in his back. It's unclear if he had surgery, but Johnson had already fallen well down the depth chart after starting 35 games in his first three years. If healthy, Johnson could get a look from old pal Steve Spagnuolo's safety-needy Rams.

Johnson sustained a herniated disc injury in Sunday's game. He had been relegated to a reserve role this year with the additions of Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant. Johnson's Giants career is likely over, as he's a free agent in 2011.

Giants GM Jerry Reese called out safeties Michael Johnson and C.C. Brown for their disappointing play in 2009.

Brown was among the weakest players in the league, so his inclusion was no surprise. Johnson, though, battled a groin injury down the stretch while the Giants defense fell apart. Reese promised he would be aggressive in bolstering need positions this offseason, and the defensive backfield was a major weakness.

Johnson is the team's top safety with Kenny Phillips out for the year, to his return helps. The Giants may start Johnson at strong safety and Aaron Ross at free safety on Sunday night. Ross has converted over from cornerback.

Giants SS Michael Johnson (groin) appears unlikely to play against the Cowboys this week.

Though Johnson says his injury is just a strain, he admits he needs time to recover. C.C. Brown will enter the lineup opposite Aaron Rouse, which is fantastic news for the Cowboys receivers and tight ends.

His return is considered "doubtful." C.C. Brown will come on to replace him, which is great news for the Broncos passing game. Brown was routinely toasted after taking over for Kenny Phillips earlier in the season.

Giants safety coach Dave Merritt said that right now Michael Johnson is the starter at free safety.

He might be right now, but that's likely because Kenny Phillips has to earn the spot as a rookie. Merritt said that Phillips has impressed both in the tape room and on the field during minicamps, but for now they want him to learn both positions.

Depth Charts

Bell had minor clean-up surgeries on his knee and Achilles' following the season. He likely won't be 100 percent, but plans to participate in the Lions' offseason program. Bell missed just one game last year despite multiple injuries. He's signed through 2016 and should return as Detroit's lead back.

Lions TE Joseph Fauria will wait one more week before deciding whether to have ankle surgery.

Fauria originally injured his ankle in September while trying to stop his puppy from urinating in his home. He never recovered. Fauria appeared in just seven games for the Lions, catching six passes for 74 yard with one touchdown. If healthy, he'll compete for the No. 3 tight end job in 2015 behind Eric Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew.